Are millennials in the workplace too PC?

The critics say a lot of things that leave us feeling baffled and mildly irritated. But we shrug it off and check our Instagram feed because who has time for haters? It’s been said in many different contexts and the words vary, but the sentiment is generally the same: millennials are too politically correct (PC). 

What they mean by “too politically correct”

Oxforddictionaries.com defines political correctness as: “The avoidance of forms of expression or action that are perceived to exclude, marginalise, or insult groups of people who are socially disadvantaged or discriminated against.”

That doesn’t seem like something that should be criticised, does it? I mean, to me it sounds like the world could use more of this. But apparently, not everyone agrees. Instead, we’re told we’re too easily offended, that we’re over-sensitive and should learn to take a joke. People complain that they can’t say anything without a PC youngster jumping down their throat.

According to some, this is because we were babied by helicopter parents who tiptoed around our feelings, making us whiny, overindulged brats who expect everyone to watch what they say around us.

Are they making a valid point?

Fun fact: Not all millennials are PC. In fact, I’ve interacted with many people my age who are just as offensive as your racist uncle after a few beers at Sunday lunch. So, if the critics are relying on all millennials being strictly politically correct, then they’ve got very little evidence on their side. However, as a generation in general, I’ve found we’re a lot more aware of the language we use than Gen Xers and baby boomers. Even those who choose to ignore what they’ve learned to be correct, do so only when they’re sure of the audience. Gen Yers are definitely more conscious of the words we speak and the context in which we use them. And I don’t think that’s a bad thing.   

To be honest, I think older generations could learn a thing or two from us when it comes to language and how it’s used. Ideology is based on what we have to say and if we’re using the right words, our ideology won’t reflect hate. And in this day and age, the last thing we need is any more hate being passed around. When you allow a certain word or phrase to be used because it’s “just a joke”, you’re condoning the ridicule. Once it becomes socially acceptable to ridicule someone based on their race, gender, sexuality or culture, that prejudice is normalised.  

You see, political correctness isn’t about policing what people say. It’s not about limiting free speech and controlling the conversations we’re allowed to have. It’s about respect. It’s about being aware of the consequences of what we say. It’s about acknowledging that our words have weight. What we say matters, especially when it comes to people who have been marginalised or persecuted in the past.   

Political correctness in the workplace

No matter what industry you’re in, there’s one thing that’s incredibly important for every business: teamwork. When employees work well together they produce better results. Fewer mistakes are made, crucial elements aren’t overlooked and everybody is willing to put in the effort when they feel like they’re part of something bigger. In general, things simply run smoother.

Communication, trust and respect form the basis of good teamwork. Using the right language in the office can boost these three things. Using hateful language, however, can instantly break down trust, disintegrate respect and, therefore, interfere with proper communication. Yes, even when it’s “just a joke”.

For example, if an employee hears a bigoted joke about their culture, they’re likely going to feel alienated. Even if they force a laugh, you’re still characterising them as “other”, which will leave them feeling isolated from the people they spend most of their waking hours with. So, what if you make that same joke but they’re not around? Is it still harmful? Yes, because you’re painting them as an outsider to the people you’re talking to. You’re all in on it and they’re not because what you find funny is a big part of their identity. In the space of a minute, you’re creating a barrier between this person and their colleagues. Whether it’s on a deeply subconscious level or right up at the surface, there’s a chance it could affect people’s behaviour towards this employee.

Let’s be honest, you probably wouldn’t be laughing if something important to you was the butt of a joke, especially if that thing led to persecution or prejudice at some point in time. You’d feel insulted and ridiculed on a personal level. And if everyone else laughed, you’d feel even worse. You certainly wouldn’t trust or respect your colleagues after that.

In conclusion  

Political correctness is not a policing strategy, it’s a guideline to help you figure out the best (and least harmful) language to use to create a safe space. A place where nobody feels rejected because of the colour of their skin, their culture, their gender or sexuality. Now, I know there will be quite a few baby boomers ready to jump at the term “safe space”. They’ll say you’re at work to earn a paycheque, not sit around thinking about your feelings all day. But hostile work environments don’t increase productivity, encourage innovative thinking or attract the best talent in the business. Good ideas don’t come from people who are too afraid to open their mouths. And if you’re brilliant at what you do, you’re not going to work at a company that lets people insult or ridicule you based on part of your identity.

So no, millennials in the workplace aren’t too PC. We’re just the right amount.

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